Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar hugged and touched the feet of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a breakfast meeting at the chief minister’s official residence [1, 2].

The gesture comes as a public display of loyalty amid ongoing speculation regarding a potential leadership change within the Karnataka government [1, 2].

The meeting took place at Siddaramaiah’s residence in Bengaluru, Karnataka [1, 2]. While reports on the exact timing of the gathering vary between Wednesday and Thursday [1, 3], the interaction was captured in a video that has since gone viral [1].

Shivakumar sought the blessings of the chief minister during the encounter [1, 2]. This act of deference is notable given the political climate surrounding the three-year-old government [2].

The breakfast meeting served as a high-profile interaction between the two leaders [2]. Observers said the physical greeting signals unity and stability within the administration [1, 2].

“DK Shivakumar hugged and touched the feet of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah”

The public nature of this interaction is likely intended to quell rumors of internal friction or an impending power shift. By performing a traditional act of respect, Shivakumar visually reinforces the hierarchy of the current administration to discourage speculation about a leadership challenge.